These freshmen are focusing on their future

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- There are many difficult things about being a teenager, but one of the hardest by far is preparing for life ahead. Once you graduate high school, you'll have to make the transition from teenager to adult.

As hard as it is to believe, life becomes completely different once you're thrust into adulthood. Your mindset and priorities change. Part of being an adult is finding a career so you are able to support yourself financially.

As a teen, it's not too early to think about the career you want; even freshman are already thinking about it. Three from George Washington High School discussed their ideal jobs with the reasons for their choices including originality, dreams and personal obligations.

Carra Fleck wants to put her interest in science to use as a dentist. "I'm inspired to do this because it's creative, and most teenage girls wouldn't think of it," she said, adding that she believes there are more job opportunities as a dentist than in other medical fields.

Heather Schoolcraft wants to be a counselor. "My best friend, Taitlyn Shae Hughes, inspired me to [end] bullying and help people," she said.

Chrissy Jackson, meanwhile, wants to pursue a career in the arts. She has her eyes set on the theater.

"I really want to do something in acting or just theater in general," she said. "It started with joining the Appalachian Children's Chorus. It got me into singing, which led me to the school musical when I was in middle school at John Adams."

But are these dreams practical? The girls seem to think so.

"I think it's very practical," Fleck said.

Jackson admits her career choice is risky but believes it is somewhat practical. "I think that locally I might actually have a chance to perform on stage," she said.

Schoolcraft, on the other hand, could not care less if others think her career choice is practical. It's one that's very personal for her.

"I believe I can achieve anything," she said. "I'll still go after it no matter what happens because even though [Taitlyn] died when she was 12, I will carry out her dream to change the world."

Though each girl has different goals, they all have one thing in common: they're certain that they're going after their dream.

"It's definitely my dream career," said Fleck. "There isn't anything else I would rather do with me life. It's something that's going to take a lot of schooling and a lot of patience, but it'll be worth it in the end."

To prepare, she is taking science classes and already looking at colleges to see what they offer.

Jackson said, "I think to some degree, it is my dream career. My dream career is just something I enjoy that pays well."

She acknowledged, "Acting probably won't [pay well], but it's still something I enjoy." She hopes to be able to be a paid performer, even if it isn't a full-time occupation.

"It's most definitely my dream career because I love helping people," said Schoolcraft of her choice.